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Using Eggs from Schistosoma mansoni as an In vivo Model of Helminth-induced Lung Inflammation
Published on: June 5, 2012
Influence of schistosomiasis on host vaccine responses
Justin Komguep Nono1, Severin Donald Kamdem2, Fungai Musaigwa3
1Division of Immunology, Health Science Faculty, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa; Laboratory of ImmunoBiology and Helminth Infections (IBHI), the Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies, Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaoundé, 13033, Cameroon; Immunology of Infectious Diseases Unit, South African Medical Research Centre, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.
Abstract:
Schistosomiasis is a debilitating helminthiasis which commonly establishes as a chronic infection in people from endemic areas. As a potent modulator of the host immune response, the Schistosoma parasite and its associated products can directly interfere with its host's ability to mount adequate immune responses to unrelated antigens. As a result, increased attention is gathering on studies assessing the influence of helminths, particularly the causal agent of schistosomiasis, on host responsiveness to vaccines. However, to date, no consensus has been drawn regarding the influence of schistosomiasis on host vaccine responses. Here, we review available evidence on the influence of transgenerational and direct Schistosoma parasite exposure on host immune responses to unrelated vaccines. In addition, we evaluate the potential of praziquantel (PZQ) treatment in restoring schistosomiasis-impacted vaccine responses.
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